W.H. 'seeking clarity' in Algeria, Al Qaeda role unconfirmed

1/17/13 12:23 PM EST

The White House is working with Algeria's government to learn more about the siege on a gas field where dozens of people, including Americans, have been taken hostage, as President Obama receives frequent updates on the situation.

"We condemn in the strongest terms a terrorist attack on BP personnel and facilities in Algeria, and we are closely monitoring the situation," press secretary Jay Carney said Thursday.

The U.S. hasn't confirmed an Al Qaeda-affliliated group's claim that it perpetrated the attack. "We certainly heard reports of people taking responsibility, making claims of responsibility for this terrorist attacks but we have not been able to thus far confirm those claims," Carney said.

The administration has been in touch with Algerian authorities and international partners and is working to learn more about the situation on the ground. "We're certainly concerned about reports of loss of life and are seeking clarity from the government of Algeria," Carney said.

But he wouldn't say much about what the administration does or doesn't know.

"This is a fluid situation," Carney said. "I wouldn't want to say anything that turned out not to be true."